We had our second app today and this specialist didagrees with paed so now I need to wait she thinks Spd because he makes eye contact with me?? Do your kids make eye contact with you?

I'm feeling overwhelmed and depressed. I could of paid for a $1200 assessment but didn't have the money so have gone cheaper way via hospital. But now need another opinion if I wish. She said revisit autism in 2 yrs. I don't know what to do.

My DS makes some eye contact. Not all ASD people struggle with eye contact though.

I would go ahead with getting the 3rd opinion. Unfortunately, sometimes families with concerns seem to get fobbed off, only to have their child diagnosed later on. I think telling you to 'revisit autism in 2 years' is bad advice.

My DS makes some eye contact. Not all ASD people struggle with eye contact though.

I would go ahead with getting the 3rd opinion. Unfortunately, sometimes families with concerns seem to get fobbed off, only to have their child diagnosed later on. I think telling you to 'revisit autism in 2 years' is bad advice.

Hugs to you, how stressful

Our first app was with a paedtrician and second just a speech. I have booked our next app at novita which is like disability services so 2 people at once. I def know something is wrong

Ds needs his grommets re done and they are going to do his eye test at same time under whatever gas they use I can't remember :/ so great though! Happening fast this weds and my app was Monday (today/yesterday whatever I have insomnia ) he offered to tidy his hair cut up too 😂 love our surgeon haha.

He told me he wasn't sad, but that he was happy.. I am not sure if I got what I was saying.

I got 5 books.

My Brother Charlie - Holly Robinson Peete
The Way I feel - Janan Cain
A friend like Simon - Kate Gaynor
I see things differently: A First look at Autism - Pat Thomas
All My Stripes: A Story for for Children with Autism - Shaina Rudolph

I think they cover various things, like understanding siblings so it may help DS1 understand DS2. Classroom settings, and understanding his feelings and his self. We will see how this goes.

Ds needs his grommets re done and they are going to do his eye test at same time under whatever gas they use I can't remember :/ so great though! Happening fast this weds and my app was Monday (today/yesterday whatever I have insomnia ) he offered to tidy his hair cut up too ������ love our surgeon haha.

Your surgeon sounds great!

You must be very frustrated with the different opinions of the specialists you've seen so far. Re: eye contact, my DD varies with this - when she's happy/comfortable she will make eye contact, but if she's uncomfortable/tired/trying to process difficult information she struggles more. There are lots of people with autism that are able to make eye contact though. How many sessions did you have with the speech therapist? Have you seen an OT (and/or psych)? They might be a good person to get another opinion from.

Have you accessed the medicare funding for assessment of autism? It might help with some of the related costs. I have cut and paste some info below:

The Medicare items available through the Helping Children with Autism program are early intervention services for children undergoing diagnosis/assessment or treatment for autism or any other PDD.Children can access the autism Medicare services providing they have not already accessed services under the Better Start for Children with a Disability initiative and providing they meet the requirements of each service.

Under the Helping Children with Autism program, a child can be referred by a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist for the following allied health services:

up to four diagnostic / assessment services from psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists, optometrists, orthoptists or physiotherapists to assist the referring practitioner with diagnosis or to contribute to a child’s treatment and management plan (for a child under 13 years of age).

One book has arrived so far, It was "I see things differently" reading through it, I reckon this is certainly a better book to read in class.
I am waiting for a few more to show up so I can have a real sit down and discuss it.

DS2's cognitive assessment is this Thursday. It can't get here fast enough.

Can I ask a few important questions which I know will vary between you all.

-how do you discipline I'm having issues with H and he is very over stimulated etc
- he bites etc and I need dd to feel safe too
- school etc we have no idea what to look for etc.
- he is angry and refuses to listen.
- does anyone have an assistance dog.

Much love tough mummas xx

Hey Monnie,

You poor thing...sounds like you're going through the mill at the moment. Been there. To answer your questions:

- pointless disciplining when child is mid stimulation (can't take it in, doesn't understand it) so we don't, we just separate and create a calm, quiet environment with a lot of reassurance;

- biting is normally an indication of frustration and this for us is tied in with inability to communicate (my eldest is ASD with SPD and non verbal) so we redirect (again and again if we have to);

- does he refuse to listen or is he unable to understand? Is he angry or frustrated or frightened? Two can mask the one as certainly happens with our young'n.

- we are on the list for an assistance dog.

Oh and both children who have ASD (only one has the SPD as well) make eye contact with me and others. One of them socialises and can hold a very intelligent conversation too. The whole no eye contact, introverted, on your own and ASD thing is a myth. (There are a lot of myths circulating out there).

Both my boys didn't hold eye contact. My youngest still doesn't to a degree. He only does when wanting something. Otherwise ignores you due to a lack of understanding.
And where he is at is from doing item exchange. Where he receives what he wants after eye contact.

Just thought I'd share some good news - DS has been offered a support class placement for school next year! It was up to the district panel to decide where he'd be best suited, but thankfully the school/class he has been offered a placement at was our first preference

Once it's 100% solid we can really start to get excited about it. He's going to be so adorable in a school uniform

Today we went and saw the Psych for DS2's Cognitive IQ assessment, needless to say he couldn't be assed because well, he wouldn't do it.. which we all expected.
SO she has taken the Vineland the SDS has thrown together (scoring a 45) and her observations and our conversation to help her write up her report.
Ultimately looks like DS2 will be going to the Special Developmental School he has been attending for therapy this year as a full time student next year.

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